Sports Authority opens quietly at mall in SF

SANTA FE — The new Sports Authority store in Santa Fe, anchoring the western end of the Santa Fe Place mall, quietly opened its doors for business earlier this month.

The store is leasing 39,000 square feet previously occupied by Mervyns, which closed in 2008.

Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., Sports Authority has more than 475 stores in 43 states, with 20 new stores expected to open this year, he said, adding that Santa Fe is leading that latest wave. The chain’s only other presence in New Mexico is two stores in Albuquerque: at Winrock Center and on Alexander Avenue NE just off Montaño.

Santa Fe’s store at 4250 Cerrillos Rd. will reflect the chain’s redesign of brighter colors, a simpler layout and a “store within the store” concept that should help customers find what they’re looking for, said John McKenna, a public relations account executive working with the chain.

“We continually evaluate our store locations to ensure we are situated in the most convenient areas and that the locations we have provide the best shopping experience possible for our customers,” a corporate spokesman said in response to the question of why the chain chose to open a store in Santa Fe.

Sports Authority carries sporting goods, recreational items, fitness equipment and camping gear, along with outdoor and exercise apparel. Its hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.